Kansas State 10-11 (1-7)
Kansas State is off to a less-than-ideal start in Big 12 play this season, winning just one of its first eight conference contests. The Wildcats dealt with injuries to multiple key players recently, and in the daunting Big 12, that lack of depth has been an issue.
P.J. Haggerty is averaging 23.4 points this season, and while K-State has not had a great season so far, Haggerty has performed up to expectations. Lately, the junior guard has held quiet in the first halves of games before turning it on in the second half and taking over. To beat Iowa State, Haggerty and his teammates will need to be locked in for all 40 minutes.
Taj Manning has stuck with head coach Jerome Tang and is now being rewarded by playing quality minutes and carving out a starting role. Manning isn’t the flashiest player, but his effort on defense and on the glass make him a valuable piece. Manning will probably be tasked with guarding conference player of the year contender, Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson.
No. 8 Iowa State 19-2 (6-2)
Iowa State has been a steadily ascending program over the past few years, but this season, it may have its best team yet. The Cyclones defend well, take care of the ball and then force the other team into turnovers. The Wildcats will have their work cut out when trying to limit Iowa State’s damage.
Joshua Jefferson does everything for Iowa State at the forward position. Jefferson averages 17.4 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game and 5.2 assists per game. The senior forward will often bring the ball up for Iowa State and can be a load to stop in transition. The K-State forwards will have to be alert and pick him up early to avoid letting him get downhill.
Milan Momcilovic is the leading scorer for Iowa State, averaging 18.8 points per game. Momcilovic is a deadly three-point shooter, making 54% of his three-point attempts on the season. The Wildcats won’t want to leave him because he will make K-State pay if he remains open for a split second.
Who to Watch:
KSU: PG P.J. Haggerty, F Taj Manning
ISU: F Joshua Jefferson, SF Milan Momcilovic
Feb. 1 @ 1 p.m. on FOX
Prediction: Iowa State 78-70
K-State:
3 point %: 37.4
Points Per Game: 84.1 ppg
Turnovers per game: 12.5
Iowa State:
3 point %: 40.3
Points Per Game: 85.6 ppg
Turnovers per game: 10.7
